When I reflect on my wrong thoughts, words, and actions, I grieve over my sin. But I take comfort in God’s grace — his unconditional love — which covers my guilt over the past and assures me that Jesus has paid for all my sin. He has reconciled me to God.

God doesn’t even wait for our confession before reconciling us to himself. His Word tells us, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). What comfort and peace this is! We now live in full assurance of this Good News.